History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
common
cough
Nonspecific symptom. May be present for a week or more after the event.
dyspnea
Nonspecific symptom. May be present for a week or more after the event.
Other diagnostic factors
common
fever
Nonspecific symptom. Should raise the suspicion for aspiration pneumonia.
pleuritic chest pain
Nonspecific symptom. May be present for a week or more after the event.
tachypnea
Nonspecific symptom. Should raise the suspicion for aspiration pneumonia.
foul-smelling breath
Associated with presence of anaerobic bacteria. Highly variable finding in patients with aspiration pneumonia.
crepitations
Highly variable finding in patients with aspiration pneumonia.
frothy or purulent sputum
Nonspecific symptom. Should raise the suspicion for aspiration pneumonia.
uncommon
history of vomiting
Clinical history is especially important because witnessed aspiration is not seen in the majority of patients.
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